Football latest: Premier League reaction as Liverpool surge ahead in title race

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief Football writer

Chris: Hi Phil, Liverpool look like they are on decent ground to win the title this year. However, it’s nearly Christmas and Mohamed Salah’s post-match interview yesterday clearly shows a contract isn’t waiting to be signed. Do you think any of Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold agreeing terms with Real Madrid etc. in January the biggest threat to our title run? Merry Christmas.

And a Merry Christmas to you, Chris.

I would be very surprised if any of those things happened in January, even with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been surrounded by so much speculation about Real Madrid.

As for the wider picture, I do not think these sub-plots will be a threat to Liverpool’s attempt to win the Premier League because I think the three players involved are simply too professional – not to mention too good – to allow such a distraction.

I think it is even less likely now because Liverpool are top of the Premier League, top of the new Champions League format and in the hunt for all the big prizes. This will be focusing their minds on the pitch, not anything going on in the background about contracts.

So, relax.